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NCT Number: NCT07094334

Investigation of Single Session Action Observation and Motor Imagery Training on Balance, Muscle Oxygenation, Fatigue

Action observation (AO) and motor imagery (MI) interventions are frequently employed both in the rehabilitation process following orthopedic injuries and surgeries, with aims such as reducing pain and increasing joint range of motion, as well as in the rehabilitation of neurological disorders to restore motor functions and achieve functional independence. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that AO and MI training can exert positive effects on motor performance and neurophysiological activation. Notably, when AO and MI training are applied in combination, it has been suggested that they produce a more pronounced impact on motor performance and support motor learning processes. The effects of these techniques have generally been evaluated following long-term interventions, and there is limited data in the literature regarding their effects after a single session. Furthermore, it has been shown in the literature that action observation and motor imagery training can elicit cortical activation. However, current scientific evidence concerning the peripheral effects of these interventions remains limited. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the acute effects of a single session of action observation and motor imagery training on upper extremity balance, muscle oxygenation, and fatigue in asymptomatic young adult males

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Key information

Conditions

Motor Imagery Training Action Observation Training Fatigue Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Gazi University

Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Gazi University Gazi University

CONTACT

[email protected]

0 312 216 26 21

Zeynep Hazar, Prof.

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • To be between 18 and 25 years of age
  • To have no history of any surgical procedure involving the upper extremity
  • To be male**
  • Since the Upper Extremity Closed Kinetic Chain Stability Test is conducted in a different position for females, only male participants will be included in the study to maintain group homogeneity.

Exclusion criteria

  • Scoring 24 or below on the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE)
  • Having hearing, visual, or perceptual impairments that may affect the study outcomes
  • Presence of any upper extremity problem
  • Having neurological, metabolic, or systemic diseases

Treatment and study plan

Action Observation

Other

This study, in contrast to prior research, will examine both the acute effects of action observation therapy and its impacts at the peripheral level.

Action Observation combined with Motor Imagery

Other

This study, in contrast to prior research, will examine both the acute effects of action observation therapy combined with motor imagery and its impacts at the peripheral level.

Sham (No Treatment)

Other

Participants in this intervention group will watch landscape and nature-themed videos for the duration corresponding to the intervention period applied in the other groups.

Primary outcomes

  1. Upper Extremity Closed Kinetic Chain Stability Test

    Time frame: Before Intervention

    In this test, participants assume a push-up position, positioned between two parallel strips placed on the floor, and touch the opposite strips in a cross-body manner with their hands for 15 seconds. The total number of touches is recorded as the score. The test is performed four times, with a 45-second rest interval between each trial. The participant's test score is calculated as the average of the scores from the last three trials.

  2. Upper Extremity Closed Kinetic Chain Stability Test

    Time frame: immediately after the intervention

    In this test, participants assume a push-up position, positioned between two parallel strips placed on the floor, and touch the opposite strips in a cross-body manner with their hands for 15 seconds. The total number of touches is recorded as the score. The test is performed four times, with a 45-second rest interval between each trial. The participant's test score is calculated as the average of the scores from the last three trials.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Muscle oxygenation

    Time frame: Before Intervention

    In this study, the Moxy Monitor device will be used to assess the upper extremity muscle oxygenation levels of the participants. This device operates using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology and non-invasively measures the amounts of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin in muscle tissue. The validity and reliability of the Moxy Monitor device in physiological measurements have been reported in numerous studies. Measurements will be conducted by placing the sensor on the anterior portion of the deltoid muscle on the participants' dominant side.

  2. Muscle Oxygenation

    Time frame: immediately after the intervention

    In this study, the Moxy Monitor device will be used to assess the upper extremity muscle oxygenation levels of the participants. This device operates using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology and non-invasively measures the amounts of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin in muscle tissue. The validity and reliability of the Moxy Monitor device in physiological measurements have been reported in numerous studies. Measurements will be conducted by placing the sensor on the anterior portion of the deltoid muscle on the participants' dominant side.

  3. Modified Borg Scale

    Time frame: pre-intervention

    Participants will rate their level of fatigue on a scale ranging from 0 (no fatigue at all) to 10 (maximum fatigue).

  4. Modified Borg Scale

    Time frame: immediately after the intervention

    Participants will rate their level of fatigue on a scale ranging from 0 (no fatigue at all) to 10 (maximum fatigue).

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Eren Özen

CONTACT

[email protected]

+90 266 606 4598

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University

Other

Collaborators

  • Gazi University

Registry information

Official study title

Investigation of the Acute Effects of a Single Session of Action Observation and Motor Imagery Training on Upper Extremity Balance, Muscle Oxygenation, and Fatigue in Young Adults

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jul 30, 2025
Registry last updated
Sep 18, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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